Arsenal’s England forward Bukayo Saka enters the tournament with an Achilles tendon problem but is determined not to let it affect his World Cup.
Bukayo Saka is fighting to get fit for England’s first match against Croatia
Bukayo Saka has insisted he is ready to “bet” on his fitness for a World Cup chance with England.
Arsenal winger Saka is set to earn his 50th cap in Wednesday’s group opener against Croatia, but he is suffering from an Achilles tendon problem.
This resulted in Saka being left out of England’s March camp and forcing him to overcome a pain barrier in Arsenal’s bid to win the title, raising major questions about his fitness for the summer. However, Saka is determined to start, which will give Thomas Tuchel a big boost ahead of England’s World Cup.
Saka, 24, said: “As a player, it’s the biggest gamble, especially when you’re not at your best. You have a choice: not to play or to put yourself out there knowing that people will judge you the same way.”
“I’m glad I took the gamble. I think it paid off. I’m going to keep doing it. At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you feel and expect you to deliver. But I feel much better than I did in March and I’m ready.”
“My main focus now is winning the World Cup and being the best version of myself for the team.”
Saka had a huge impact on Arsenal’s first title win in 22 years, and says the feeling of victory gave him confidence.
“Knowing what it takes to win is important and it gives you more belief. It gives you more confidence and freedom.”
Bukayo Saka is happy to bet on Thomas Tuchel’s fitness with major reinforcements (Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)
“When you have success and you taste it, you want to do it again. And you can go in two directions, but speaking for myself, there’s definitely a feeling of wanting to do it again, and that makes you even hungrier.”
England manager Tuchel said Saka would not be able to start or play every game, but said the Arsenal winger would be happy to share the role with club teammate Noni Madueke.
Saka, who is also relishing the chance to reach 50 caps, added: “Noni is like a brother to me and we enjoy competing and playing together. Not many players have achieved this, especially not many young players, so it’s a point of pride for me.”
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